Today wherever I go, I am accepted: 'Jawan' star Vijay Sethupathi talks past body shaming

Actor is set to grace the big screen again on January 12 with Katrina Kaif in upcoming thriller film 'Merry Christmas'

Amid his soaring success in Hindi cinema, Jawan actor Vijay Sethupathi sheds light on his journey, addressing poignant topics such as body shaming and his distinctive fashion choices in a recent interview with The Indian Express.

Acknowledging the growing admiration for his genuine and relatable on-screen presence, Vijay candidly shares that the positive reception serves as an "energy drink" for him. However, he recalls a time when he faced body shaming, revealing, "Main aisa hi tha, body shaming bohot kiya tha mujhe (I have faced a lot of body-shaming for the way I look)."

Despite weathering past criticisms, Vijay expresses gratitude for the acceptance he now enjoys, describing it as a blessing. He thanks his audience, stating, "Today wherever I go, I am accepted."

Reflecting on the invigorating impact of fan love, Vijay characterizes it as a powerful force that fuels his hope. He notes, "Receiving love from fans is like an energy drink. When people love you, it gives you hope that your work has reached people and they have understood and they really like your work."

While Vijay's acting prowess has earned him recognition, his unpretentious fashion choices, including opting for "chappals" at upscale Bollywood events, have subjected him to scrutiny. Acknowledging this, he admits feeling conscious about his attire, asserting, "Sometimes I am conscious about my costumes because I believe in wearing what I am comfortable in."

In discussing his Bollywood journey, Vijay emphasizes a one-film-at-a-time philosophy. Underscoring the significance of box office success to attract producers, he states, "I am very clear that whatever stories, films I do should be hits and reach the audience."

Sharing insights into his unexpected venture into Bollywood, Vijay underscores the element of surprise in his career. Recounting his initial meeting with Sriram Raghavan for Merry Christmas, he admits never imagining working with Katrina Kaif.

As he navigates his Bollywood trajectory, Vijay maintains a steadfast focus on entertaining the audience and leaving a lasting impression. He concludes, "The only expectation that I really have is that whatever story I do, it should entertain the audience and I can impress them."

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